Kukla's Korner Hockey

The Blues have been cautious in the early going with Kariya, who is getting his body used to a lengthier skating stride. But the fact that he played in back-to-back preseason games Tuesday and Friday shows that progress is being made.

“I feel better every day,” said Kariya, who missed the opening day of training camp as a precaution. “When I started, my groin and hip-flexor was a little tight. But they’ve loosened up and the hips themselves, the joints feel great.

“The practices are so demanding, it’s tough to get an indication of where your legs are, but I’ve felt like I had good jump in the games. To get a couple games under my belt and have no repercussions ... the body’s feeling good.”